Chunking Champions: Teaching Kids to Help Parents with Everyday Tasks
Dec 24, 2023
As parents, we strive to help our children develop healthy habits and navigate the digital world responsibly. Introducing them to the “ADHD Pomodoro” technique, a humorous play on the traditional Pomodoro method can provide a flexible and fun approach to managing online distractions, organizing their lives, and even applying it to school work.
The ADHD Pomodoro Technique: A Flexible Approach
The traditional Pomodoro Technique involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. However, for some kids, a more flexible and personalized approach might be more effective. Some ADHD kids and adults can only find motivation when the work time is lower and the break time is higher. The ADHD Pomodoro technique suggests varying work and break durations based on what motivates and engages the child. It can be 15 minutes of work followed by 30 minutes of break, or 15 minutes of work and 20 minutes of play – the idea is to find what works best for your child. This may seem very inefficient but remember the ADHD brain may find this is what it takes to get started.
Navigating Social Media Responsibly
Teaching your child to use the ADHD Pomodoro technique can help them resist the temptation of social media and focus on more productive activities. By allowing them to take regular breaks, they will be more motivated to complete their tasks and less likely to seek distractions online.
Small Steps to Organize Life
Help your child understand that organizing their life is a gift they give themselves. Encourage them to view organization as a series of small steps, repeated over and over again, much like the waves of the ocean. Applying the ADHD Pomodoro technique to these small steps can make organizing a more enjoyable and manageable process.
Sample List of Two-Minute Actions:
- Take out bathroom garbage
- Put dirty laundry in the laundry basket
- Organize sink top
- Organize clothes
- Wipe off kitchen counters
- Relocate shoes from the entryway
By introducing your child to a more flexible ADHD Pomodoro technique, you’re helping them develop healthy habits for navigating the digital landscape. By understanding the addictive nature of social media, fostering healthy online habits, and teaching them to take small steps in organizing their lives, you’re setting them up for a successful and balanced future in the digital age. With the ADHD Pomodoro, they’ll have a tool that not only supports their organizational skills but also keeps them engaged and motivated in a way that’s tailored to their unique needs.
